THE 2026 COKE SCHOLARS
Get to know our 2026 class of Coca-Cola Scholars - 150 incredible young people who are creating positive change in their communities and around the world.
Each Scholar is being awarded a $20,000 college scholarship and joins a family of over 7,200 visionary leaders who are refreshing the world together.
meet our 2026 coca-cola scholars
Ruba Abdelgalil
Philadelphia, PA
Ruba, a first-generation Sudanese American, transforms crisis into civic action. As the only hijabi at her school, she founded its Muslim Student Association in 9th grade, united schools to lead advocacy on global crises, published in the Yale Daily News, and organized a student walkout. She served on her county’s Teen Advisory Board, received recognition in The Philadelphia Inquirer, and conducted long-term research on maternal health at UPenn. As a Principal’s Representative for 410+ students, Ruba led 3 clubs and completed the Math & Spanish tracks at her school. A Global Scholar, Ruba volunteers at a community center to preserve Sudanese culture amid war. Having witnessed Sudan’s economic collapse firsthand, she will join UPenn’s Huntsman Program this fall.
Hadi Abdul
Charlotte, NC
Hadi turns theory into impact. A USAPhO Silver Medalist & USAMO qualifier, he’s ranked among the nation’s top 90 high school physicists & 250 mathematicians. He applies that rigor as the youngest researcher at Duke’s Dunn Lab & WHO Innovation Hub, building open-source wearable tech to democratize research access. He founded VoiceWorks, his medtech reaching 9k+ non-verbal students & training 60+ SLPs, & recently advanced Katrick Tech’s patented passive-cooling system in Scotland, now deployed with a $3.67M valuation. A 3-sport varsity athlete whose work is recognized by IEEE BHI, Duke Vertices, NCSEF, PwC Future50 Startups, & many national competitions, Hadi will work in Cali with RevisionDojo (YC F24) this summer & plans to launch his own startup.
Grace Ackerman
Madison, CT
Grace Ackerman is passionate about education, legislation, and adolescent well-being. She founded Raffles for Wishes, partnering local youth with varsity sports teams across four states and eight communities to raise $15,000. As Connecticut’s youngest Make-A-Wish granter, she helped mobilize $70,000 in support and grant nine Wishes. Grace serves as a student liaison to her district’s Board of Education and Youth & Family Services Board and is the state president of the Youth Political Activism Coalition, developing civic education curriculum for 13+ schools. She has worked as a TEDx Talk organizer, legislative intern, and summer intern at the Cardinal Shehan Center. Grace was a U.S. Senate Youth Program Delegate and Bank of America Student Leader.
Mary Adegbesan
Houston, TX
Mary Adegbesan is a global advocate for equitable STEM education. As the Founder of CTRL Code, a 501(c)(3) Google-sponsored nonprofit, she has led numerous coding workshops, developed programming curricula for school districts, and created educator toolkits reaching over 2,500 students across 10 countries. She is also the author of Coding Unplugged, a programming book recognized by the U.S. Dept of Education that expands access to foundational concepts in low-resource settings. Building on this mission, she delivered a TEDx talk on expanding opportunity through technology and serves on the National Girls Collaborative Board, helping shape national strategies to increase youth participation in STEM. She ultimately envisions a future where digital equity is the norm.
Ariella Adjangba-Baker
Hagerstown, MD
Ariella Adjangba-Baker is a passionate leader dedicated to fostering a more equitable world. She founded Echoes of Tomorrow, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has served over 19,000 people across Maryland through its community closets. The child of a Ghanaian immigrant, she is co-authoring a research novel with Howard University’s Professor Chambi on cultural reclamation and economic strategies for African societies. She serves on the Maryland Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, advocating for over 890,000 students statewide. Ariella is proud to be the author of Find Me Free, a historical fiction novel; the Maryland PTA Board Student Representative; and the High School Democrats of America’s Black Caucus Liaison.
Ethan Albright
Columbia, PA
Ethan Albright is an innovator in sustainability championing progress for global environmental issues through advocacy and scientific research. Ethan is the founder of Hooked on Lancaster, a plastic cleanup and advocacy initiative forging a nationwide network of stewards through local and national plastic cleanups. As a researcher, Ethan developed a novel, ISEF-medalling bioplastic material in his kitchen, which he turned into Nevermore Outdoors, a biodegradable fishing lure company. Outside of the environment, Ethan uses robotics as a platform for creativity through his internships at Robotic WorX and Precision Cobotics. Ethan plans to pursue majors in political science and biochemistry to pursue an interdisciplinary career in environmental law or policy.
Nyera Ali
Little Rock, AR
Nyera Ali is a community-centered advocate aspiring to serve as a healthcare professional to strengthen infrastructure in underserved areas. Through research on acetaminophen and CRISPR-Cas9, alongside international humanitarian efforts, she works to bridge science and policy to advance healthcare access. As president of the Mayor’s Youth Council, she represents Little Rock youth and informs local initiatives. At school, Nyera is the president of the state’s leading Model UN club, gaining international recognition at Yale, Columbia, and Vancouver MUN. Additionally, her hospice work has reinforced her commitment to compassionate and equitable care, a perspective reflected in her 130-page thesis examining rural healthcare inequities.
Oscar Amos
Kamuela, HI
Oscar Amos is a passionate civic leader first, and a proud dad to his sourdough starter Fernan-dough second. He is the president of his school’s debate team, on which he was crowned the ’25 LD undefeated state champion. The editor-in-chief of his school newspaper, Parker Press, Oscar leads about 30 staff writers for the publication’s nearly 17,000 readers in 131 countries. With a curiosity for law, he has explored policy’s vocational side, notably interning for Hawaii County Councilman James Hustace and U.S. Senator Brian Schatz. Motivated by overcoming barriers, Oscar compensates for his inability to vote by registering voters through his organization, The Ballot Brigade. He looks forward to the fall, during which he’ll begin studying Political Science at UPenn.
Valeria Arellano
El Paso, TX
Valeria Arellano is an ambitious advocate who centers her leadership on empathy and service. She serves on the Youth Advisory Council for Veronica Escobar and is captain of her dance team. She is especially passionate about leading Petite École through the French Honor Society, guiding students as they teach elementary children French and preparing them for a national competition. As a 2025 Bank of America Student Leader with Junior Achievement and an intern at a local law firm, she has gained firsthand experience in the nonprofit and legal field, strengthening her commitment to justice. Valeria plans to major in neuroscience and political science at Stanford University, aspiring to drive forward systemic change as a policymaker.
Zahraa Asfar
Dearborn, MI
Zahraa Asfar is an entrepreneur and community leader driven to advance equity through business in under-privileged communities. She has founded and presides over multiple student organizations, expanding opportunity within her school community, and has been recognized as an international DECA champion, Congressional App Challenge winner, and Lead4Change winner. As a Core Team Member for the Mainstay Foundation, she helps lead humanitarian initiatives supporting families nationwide. Zahraa participated in the Harvard Venture Program and plans to study Business and Economics at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. She believes meaningful change begins with optimism, and that even complex challenges can be met with a smile.
George Balan
Orinda, CA
George Balan is an impassioned civic leader committed to advancing meaningful change. As Statewide President of the California High School Democrats, George works to uplift underrepresented voices. With the California Department of Education, he advocates for 600,000+ diverse peers statewide. Serving as President of Miramonte High School’s Public Speaking & Mock Trial Programs, George empowers student members and has achieved recognition as a Stanford Invitational Champion and State Tournament Finalist. Through internships with the California State Assembly and Senate, George has furthered his passion for public service and policymaking. This fall, George intends to study Political Science in pursuit of accelerating equity and justice.
Wayne Barnum
Chugiak, AK
Wayne is driven by a community focus above all else. To this end, he coaches debate for 2 middle schools and over 50 students. In an attempt to give everyone an equal chance to succeed in debate, he worked to fundraise over $10k to send Alaskans to national tournaments, as well as acting as a regional volunteer/resource coordinator for debaters in Anchorage, including creating his own video lecture series for MS students across the state. Being a Middle College student, Wayne proved he can compete on the highest level, becoming a Collegiate BP Debate Nationals Semi-finalist at 17, while also being a 2x State HS DDF Champion and NSDA All-State Recipient. He will stay in Alaska for the time being, on track for law school where he will specialize in Indigenous Law.
Eileen Keane Baumgarten
Sioux Falls, SD
Eileen Keane is from South Dakota and attends Interlochen Arts Academy as a singer-songwriter. She is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and frontwoman of a pop-punk band, where she writes, records, produces, and performs her original music. She holds two Global Seals of Biliteracy in Spanish and Chinese and is an NSLI-Y Mandarin scholar. Eileen works extensively in multilingual and cross-cultural settings through bilingual arts and education outreach, including collaborative translation projects such as Plays for Living in Sioux Falls. As a songwriter and communicator, she uses music to give voice to others. She plans to study popular music and songwriting, exploring how music, language, and storytelling can drive cultural, social, and political change.
Axel Berganza
Los Angeles, CA
Axel Berganza is a researcher and innovator dedicated to expanding access to health care. He interned at Stanford’s Dept of Pathology, where he analyzed genomic data from 1,000+ breast cancer patients, clustering 20,000+ genes to identify tumor subtypes and survival trends. An Advisory Board Member for the LA Trust for Children’s Health, he helped launch a school wellness center and led outreach efforts. He is the co-developer of a UCLA-affiliated mental health app serving underresourced communities, reaching 900+ users. Axel authored a districtwide HPV vaccine education resource and was recognized by LAUSD – one of the nation’s largest school districts – for public health advocacy through a televised bilingual public service announcement.
Anjana Boppana
Coppell, TX
Anjana Boppana is a student leader dedicated to creating a social impact through integration of business and policy. She is the founder of Project Be the Voice, an international nonprofit expanding access to speech and debate, reaching 10,000 students across 10 countries in 4 continents. Anjana is engaged in political research at the USC Dornsife Political Center, publishing a detailed memo on the SCALE Act. She is the #1 nationally ranked World Schools debater, placing in tournaments internationally, and a national champion in Youth and Government. In her free time, she enjoys building legos with her sister and playing the NYT mini games! Anjana is attending the University of Pennsylvania, majoring in Economics this fall.
Luke Boyle
Peosta, IA
A fifth-generation agriculturalist, Luke is passionately driven to support rural communities. As President of the West Dubuque FFA chapter, he’s overseen the annual collection and donation of over $33,000 worth of goods to local farmers and 500 pounds of food to families at risk of hunger. He advocates for STEM opportunities in rural, underserved areas as an Iowa STEM Youth Ambassador, founded the Bacon Buddies Pig Show for special needs youth, and impacts local legislation as a Community Heart & Soul data analyst. He’s a guitar instructor for a local non-profit, Borlaug Scholar, golf athlete, and 4-H youth leader. Luke will pursue a degree in data science to work in the precision agriculture industry, increasing farming sustainability.
Claire Bradford
Fayetteville, TN
Inspired by life in her rural hometown, Claire is passionate about intergenerational connection and narrative medicine. She uplifts senior adults through her Petals with Purpose initiative, growing and hand-delivering over 2,000 flower bouquets to nursing homes across the Tennessee Valley. As Student Body President, she represents 1,200 peers and leads school service initiatives. She is a School Board Student Representative, a dance team Captain, an Algebra II tutor, and Miss LCHS. She represents Lincoln County nationally as a Coolidge Senator and statewide as a Girls State Senator, HOBY Ambassador, and Governor’s School attendee. Claire plans to study biochemistry and comparative literature with intentions to pursue a career in medicine.
David Braman
Koloa, HI
David Braman is an inclusion and innovation driven leader. His experiences as a leader within organizations such as Special Olympics, Student Government, his school’s Red Raider Productions program, and Boys and Girls Club have taught him so much about one’s ability to make a difference when they put their mind to something they’re passionate about. His one message is that out of all the awards and recognitions, the biggest honor in the world is being someone’s friend and that taking advantage of an opportunity to be kind is the most inspiring thing a person can do. He is beyond grateful for this opportunity with the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and is honored for the chance to represent the islands he calls home.
Knighten Bridges
Star, MS
Knighten Bridges is a passionate servant leader from Star, Mississippi. While at McLaurin High School, Knighten served as the first ever male Head Cheer captain in school history. In addition to this, he served as a National Beta Regional Leadership Representative for Mississippi and surrounding states. Knighten created his own passion project, The Storied South, which serves a mission of educating southerners on personal storytelling and diverse perspective-taking through its flagship seminars. Knighten has also worked with the Mississippi Secretary of State in his Student Ambassador Program. In the future, Knighten plans to work as a physician and equitable healthcare policy advocate in order to help create a more affordable system for all people.
Jaeden Brown
New Orleans, LA
Jaeden Brown is a changemaker advocating for educational equity and women’s health in New Orleans. Guided by her faith and passion for service, she has contributed over 500 hours supporting survivors of domestic abuse and serving more than 100 families through church and community outreach and resource coordination. Jaeden founded her school’s Faith Club to foster belonging, mentorship, and spiritual growth among her peers, while also serving as a worship leader, childcare worker, and captain of her varsity basketball team. As a Posse Scholar at Tulane University, she will study cell and molecular biology and pursue a career as a global health pediatrician expanding access to quality care for underserved children worldwide.
Byron Brown Jr.
Bronx, NY
Byron is a Bronx-born scholar and health equity advocate bridging neuroscience, research, and public policy. Ranked #1 in his class and a graduate of the MIT4America Calculus Program, he has turned academic excellence into action, researching neuroscience at Columbia University. That inspired him to start Care Without Barriers, a non-profit that hosts youth education workshops on CTE, cannabis awareness, and mental health. As 1 of 8 selected leaders on the Bronx Youth Council, he advocates for 350,000+ youth in borough-wide policy discussions. Byron has led advanced anatomy seminars and surgical dissections at Mount Sinai Hospital. Grounded in faith and service, he aspires to become a physician-leader shaping equitable healthcare policy.
Claire Cantrell
Arab, AL
Claire Cantrell is a student from Arab High, committed to service, leadership, and community impact. She has served in multiple leadership roles within Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America, including State Vice President of STAR Events and National Vice President of Competitive Events, supporting and empowering 255,000 members. She is a four-year Class President and Varsity and Competition Cheer Captain, where she leads school wide initiatives, community events, and mentorship programs. Passionate about service, she has helped organize extensive projects benefiting foster children, food insecure families, and youth. Claire plans to pursue a career in cosmetic dentistry, combining leadership with hands on service to give people a smile to last a lifetime.
Abhiram Chalamalasetty
San Diego, CA
Abhiram is a Regeneron STS Scholar from San Diego who thrives where disciplines collide – from engineering proteins to designing brain-inspired computing.. At UCSD, he designs peptide binders to block malaria and builds ML models to screen drug candidates, pairing computation with wet-lab validation. He presented first-author research at MIT’s Molecular Machine Learning Conference. As a lead of Biology Research Mentorship and president of the Machine Learning and Data Science Club, he builds systems so research becomes accessible to any curious student. He loves astrophotography and walking with his family under the stars. Abhiram plans to study bioengineering and computer science, eager to leave his mark.
Isaac Chan
Sayreville, NJ
Isaac is a global advocate for educational equity and international development. He develops financial literacy initiatives worldwide for 11,000+ students across 80 countries as Global Co-President of Young Investors Society and drives technology education policy for 14,000+ students as New Jersey TSA’s State President. His work has been featured in the New York Times and Yahoo News. An incurable peripatetic, Isaac spent last summer studying Russian and Kyrgyz culture as an NSLI-Y Scholar in Kyrgyzstan, where he examined Bishkek’s post-colonial development. He is a Coolidge Scholarship Finalist, Civics Unplugged Fellow, and recipient of a Congressional Commendation. Isaac plans to study policy, economics, and engineering in college.
Charlee Chandler
Rehobeth, AL
Charlee Chandler is an aspiring physician and aerospace medicine researcher committed to expanding opportunities in rural America. As the founder of Wiregrass Women for STEM, she leads a national nonprofit that increases STEM access and mentorship for girls in underserved communities. Her work spans from research with NASA, UT Center for Space Research, Dartmouth College, and the National Science Foundation, to advocacy for career and technical education and afterschool programs for thousands statewide and millions nationally as a former TSA State Officer and STEM Next National Flight Crew member. She also advances equitable, sustainable education policy as a Jane Goodall Institute National Youth Council Member and Student Council President.
Tanay Chitlur
Portland, OR
Tanay is a passionate social entrepreneur striving to transform cardiovascular care using AI. As the founder of Mycardia.ai, he engineers algorithms that generate 12-lead ECGs from wearable devices, aiding in the early detection of heart disease. His work has earned Grand Awards at ISEF and has been featured by the Heart Rhythm Society and at two major IEEE conferences. Beyond his research, Tanay founded the Future of Science and Engineering to empower under-resourced students to participate in research. Additionally, he runs TnT Treats, an baking business that donates its proceeds to local homeless services. Tanay plans to study computational biology, where he can develop new algorithms to revolutionize advanced healthcare.
Shane Ciunci
East Greenwich, RI
Shane Ciunci is a student leader, nonprofit founder, and student-athlete. He founded Rally4Racquets, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has collected, refurbished, and donated over 2,450 tennis racquets to underserved youth through partnerships with more than 100 tennis clubs across New England. On the court, Shane is a First-Team All-State player and team captain. He brings the same discipline and commitment to service, mentoring students with neurodivergent disabilities. As Class and Student Body President, he has led donation drives contributing over 4,000 items to local organizations. In his free time, Shane is an avid cook and enjoys exploring and reviewing local restaurants. His interests include AI integration, economics, and innovation.
ZaHir Covington
Louisville, KY
ZaHir Covington is a senior at W.E.B. DuBois Academy in Louisville, Kentucky, where he leads as captain of the Academic and wrestling teams, president of the Kentucky Youth Assembly, and founder of ACT Empower. He is also the founder of Young Leaders Application Review, a national program supporting first-generation and low-income students through the college process. A black belt and longtime tutor, ZaHir hopes to study biochemistry and education, before pursuing a Ph.D. and becoming a college professor. His ultimate goal lies in utilizing his love for teaching and science to expand STEM access and help marginalized students navigate higher education.
Michelle Cuevas Tineo
Lawence, MA
Michelle Cuevas Tineo serves her community with service-driven leadership and a commitment to economic development. As Co-Founder of Love For Lazarus and President of DECA, Mock Trial, and Model UN, Michelle mentors and guides her peers, coordinates service projects, and mobilizes her community to address inequality. Whether tutoring bilingual elementary school students, making homemade cards for nursing homes, or serving meals at Lazarus House’s food pantry, Michelle leads with a dedication to dignity and empathy. Michelle will attend the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School to study business economics and public policy, seeking to expand and shape public policy to facilitate economic mobility and equity.
Jude Cutler
FPO, AP
Born in sunny San Diego, Jude has moved over 6,600 miles to end up in the small town of Sasebo, Japan. There, he connects America’s military community with international groups, running a radio show that delivers bilingual education to more than 23,000 households in Nagasaki. He’s raised over $30,000 for local organizations and won BGCA’s National Award of Merit. Currently, he’s representing +21,000 DoDEA Pacific students as Military Youth of the Year Asia (BGCA), Yale MUN Singapore & Harvard MC Asia UNSC Best Delegate, MCOY Semifinalist, and the first DoD Coke Scholar in more than a decade. When he grows up, he wants to be a good human being, study linguistics, and, after years of diligent practice, eventually learn to yodel.
Zara Dawodu
Birmingham, PA
With a background in rural Nigeria and small-town America, Zara strives to represent under-resourced communities through data as an aspiring biomathematical scientist. As an avid researcher, she has worked in labs at UChicago and UIC, researching secondary succession in invasive plants. As a member of the International Society of Computational Biology YBS Organizing Committee, Zara helps facilitate youth computational biology programs. She also advocates for youth in technology and mental health research as a National Youth Advisory Board Member at the TAM lab and helped tutor Ethiopian youth in mathematics for nonprofit Yes4Education. At school, she serves as president of NSTEM and NAHS, as well as Student Council Treasurer.
Brandon Delcid Rios
Ringoes, NJ
Brandon is the founder of See The World Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit expanding access to vision care for children. Born with a shut right eye and raised by his mother, who immigrated from Mexico without English or established support, he experienced firsthand the systemic barriers low-income families face in accessing vision care. In its first seven months, the foundation raised over $3,000 and established partnerships with multiple nonprofits. Brandon is a published author and researcher focused on democratic governance and civic engagement. He is a QuestBridge Scholar to Claremont McKenna College and one of 26 Alexander Hamilton Scholars selected from more than 1,600 applicants. Beyond his academic and nonprofit work, he serves as a probationary firefighter.
Miranda Diaz
Chicago, IL
Miranda Diaz is a first-generation student and aspiring physician committed to advancing equity in medicine through research, innovation, and advocacy. At the University of Chicago, she’s researched platelet activation and histotripsy and also developed an AI model to help detect childhood skin conditions. She advances cancer equity through the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative, interns with Oncologists United for Climate and Health International, and serves on the Chicago Mayoral Youth Commission. Recognized nationally by NCWIT and as a Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards Gold Recipient in Technology, Miranda also founded Ella Puede STEM to expand opportunity for girls in science. Miranda will be attending Yale University in the fall.
Maria Diaz Quintero
Garfield, NJ
Maria Diaz studies at the Academies @ Englewood and plans to pursue veterinary medicine at Cornell University. She founded Foreign Aid for Pets, where she leads fundraisers and supply drives for abandoned animals. Her nonprofit has raised money and delivered 30 medical kits that supported more than 50 animals. She also founded the Latino Alliance Club. She has represented over 800 students as Student Council Vice President and raised more than $2,000 for school events. Maria worked as a veterinary intern assisting more than 50 animal patients each week. She conducted microbiology research as a Governor’s STEM Scholar and presented her results at a statewide conference. She is an active member in various honor societies and sports.
Henry Dozier
North Garden, VA
Henry Dozier is interested in the intersection of civic engagement, law and environmental studies, both at home and abroad. Serving as a volunteer firefighter inspired Henry to create and distribute emergency kits for natural disasters in his area. Selected as a U.S. State Department National Security Language Initiative Scholar, Henry studied Arabic in Morocco and attended the Virginia Governor’s World Language Academy in Spanish. Using his language skills, Henry has served his community as a volunteer for refugee assistance organizations, and as a camp counselor at the regional children’s museum. Henry has been recognized with the Congressional Award Gold Medal, and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Henry plans to study Environmental Studies at Yale University.
Ted Dudley
Swarthmore, PA
Ted Dudley is a community advocate focused on expanding opportunity through service and policy. As a nationally ranked debater, Ted launched the Chapter Program at Empower Debate, starting debate programs at over 600 schools across 27 countries, and providing more than 2,500 underprivileged students with $400,000 in free resources. In his local community, Ted serves as Vice President of Hunger Helpers, organizing food rescue operations that have donated over 40,000 pounds of surplus food to families in need. Even earlier, Ted started rescuing cats at the age of 12, where he went on to found Whisker Wishes, a student-run cat rescue that has rehomed more than 200 stray and abandoned cats, while simultaneously raising $10,000 for their care.
Wittman Ellis
Trinity, AL
Wittman is a servant-leader and accomplished musician who measures success by the growth of those he guides. He has served three consecutive years as Drum Major for a 150+ member marching band, earned “Best Drum Major” in multiple competitions, held first chair flute and piccolo for several semesters, and was selected for the All-City Honor Band. With over 900 volunteer hours, he has qualified for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award four consecutive years through disaster relief and mentoring diverse, multi-cultural elementary students at church camp. As a competitive song leader and public speaker, he has earned top honors performing before audiences of more than 6,000. He will be majoring in computer engineering at Auburn University in the Fall.
Amal Eltayib
Iowa City, IA
Amal Eltayib is an internationally acclaimed speaker, social entrepreneur, and genetics researcher. Following her discovery of novel cancerous biomarkers, she was recognized at the ISEF, EXPLR NSF, JBC, and RSI. Beyond her research, Amal spearheads STEM equity as the Founder of The Golden Beaker, a global nonprofit that advocates for STEM accessibility in low-income elementary schools. She serves as an advisor to the Governor of Iowa, and fights for education accessibility among marginalized youth. Amal is also an All-State Attorney in Mock Trial, where she has argued criminal and civil cases before Supreme Court justices. Amal plans to study bioengineering on a pre-law track, and continue to champion educational accessibility worldwide.
Ayoub Farah
Owatonna, MN
Ayoub Farah is a civic-minded leader with a strong interest in law, local government, and public service. As Student Body President, Student School Board Representative, and President of Minnesota Youth Against Sexual Violence, he champions civic dialogue and community safety. Ayoub interns at Einhaus, Mattison, Carver & Haberman, P.A., and has served as a Minnesota House Page and was selected as a Minnesota delegate for the U.S. Senate Youth Program. As Cross Country Captain, he led his team to its first state berth since 2012, earning All-State honors. He is an ExCEL Award recipient, Academic All-State honoree, and state speech champion. Ayoub plans to study international relations before pursuing a career in law and public service.
Siena Farr
Juneau, AK
Siena Farr is a passionate environmentalist and leader. Born and raised in Juneau, Alaska, she’s witnessed the impacts of climate change firsthand. She innovates and inspires solutions as the co-president of Alaska Youth for Environmental Action. She has led state-wide protests, testified to the Permanent Fund Corporation Board, and spearheaded her school’s first Ocean Guardians project, with over $2000 in federal funding. As an aspiring environmental lawyer, she seeks STEM solutions through research with NOAA and legislative action by working for her state senator. Additionally, she is president of her school’s National Honor Society chapter, the site council student representative, and the co-chair of her state’s crisis committee.
Rafael Farrera-Juarez
Millsboro, DE
Rafael Farrera-Juarez advances student voice and educational equity in Title I schools. He founded the Student Advocacy Leadership Team (SALT), contributing 40+ hours as a student stakeholder to develop reforms adopted into his high school’s official Student Success Plan. He leads his school’s Youth in Government delegation and founded the Latin American Student Organization, engaging about 200 members in civic and cultural initiatives. Rafael also organized a student walkout mobilizing roughly 150 participants and serves as a district Student Ambassador representing 10,000+ students and delivering keynote addresses to hundreds of educators. A U.S. Senate Youth Program delegate, he plans to study public policy to strengthen democratic participation.
Ayesha Faruki
Mentor, OH
Ayesha is an aspiring researcher and writer leveraging technology to expand healthcare equity. Her work spans machine learning research at MIT, Case Western Reserve University, and Cleveland Clinic, earning peer-reviewed publications and recognition from IEEE conferences, NCWIT, and U.S. Congress. She runs Sciology, a UN-accredited summer camp expanding access to middle school STEM education. Having penned her first novel at age eleven, her interests are shaped by the intersection of science and the humanities. In school, she heads her Science Olympiad, Model UN, and Speech & Debate teams, writes for the student newspaper, and performs viola in orchestra. She will be attending the University of Pennsylvania to study bioengineering this fall.
Matilda Foster
Portland, OR
Matilda is a dedicated advocate passionate about advancing health equity through public policy. She has conducted research on barriers to clinical trials with OHSU and led legislative initiatives to expand subsidized student health care statewide. She is partnered with the Oregon School-Based Health Alliance, NIH, and Kaiser Family Foundation on a national HPV campaign. As a nationally ranked debater and captain of her school’s team, she has served on her region’s urban debate league board, raising thousands to expand access for Title I schools. She’s also the co-president of her school’s American Red Cross club and serves on her state youth council. This fall, she plans to attend Yale University and continue serving her community.
Jolie Friedman
Los Angeles, CA
Jolie is a social entrepreneur and leader expanding dignity and access. She founded SheStyles, a nonprofit hosting free clothing pop-up shops for girls facing hardship, leading 17 events serving 1,000+ girls and securing over $60,000 in grants. In 2024, she was featured in PEOPLE Magazine’s Girls Changing the World article and appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Passionate about technology and medicine, she spent three years developing Telebot, a brain-controlled robot, interned at Cedars-Sinai conducting VR cancer research, and participated in Stanford’s Clinical Summer Internship. At school, she is Head Prefect, the mascot, and quarterback of the girls’ flag football team. She plans to study computer science and neuroscience in college.
Marz Gamez
Mission, TX
Marz Gamez is a first-generation student and community advocate dedicated to uplifting Latino and LGBTQ+ voices. As the first recipient in Mission, Texas of a $10,000 ItGetsBetter Project grant, he organized a regional conference promoting LGBTQ+ education and empowerment. He has led Forensic Science for five years, connecting students with law-enforcement professionals, and supported food-security efforts through the RGV Food Drive. Marz has spoken at TEDxMcAllen on Chicano and Mexican-Guatemalan identity and completed the Caminos al Futuro program focused on Latino policy and leadership. An AP Scholar with a passion for cold case investigation, he plans to pursue a career in crime scene analysis – building a future where he can honor his heritage.
Lucas Garcia
Mission, TX
Lucas Garcia is from the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, where growing up near the border shaped his commitment to justice and access. As the former Texas State Sergeant-at-Arms and current Student Board Representative for Business Professionals of America, he represents nearly 15,000 members statewide, is a BPA Nationals qualifier, and has represented Texas BPA at the State Capitol. He co-founded Bridge Builders for Refugees, a nonprofit supporting 300+ families with essential supplies and multilingual legal resource guides. A McAllen Teen Court defense attorney, National Merit Finalist, and Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) Scholar, Lucas will study Government and Public Policy at Dartmouth College this fall and pursue a career in law and public service.
Sofia Garcia-Nunez
San Antonio, TX
Sofia blends compassion with advocacy in patient care rights and STEM education. After being personally affected by IBD, she became an Honored Hero and Patient Care Advocate with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, helping raise over $50K for emerging research. As Speech & Debate President, she channels her passion for public policy through coordinated outreach with Congressmen to pass legislation that expands rights for disabled IBD patients. Sofia is the youngest City Chapter Lead for Taste of Science, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to equity and accessibility, and has interned at Texas Biomedical Research Institute studying infectious diseases. In her free time, she pursues creative writing, enjoys staying active, and provides math tutoring services.
Gabrielle Gittens
Niles, MI
Gabrielle Gittens is a passionate advocate for literacy, food security, and equitable healthcare technology. Founder of Feed the Hungry, she has led drives donating 800+ lbs. of food to families in need. As Executive Vice-President of Michigan BPA, she organizes service projects and creates digital resources for 3,300+ members. Gabrielle has engaged in research with an AI-powered stethoscope detecting clinically significant heart murmurs, and aspires to engineer ethical medical devices. As Miss Niles 2025, Gabrielle received the Key to the City and a Special Tribute from MI’s 103rd Legislature. Whether using her voice as President of the Black Student Association or to sing at Carnegie Hall, she is an advocate for change.
Andres Gonzalez
Los Angeles, CA
Andres Gonzalez is a community leader advancing equitable access to STEM education while expanding the cultural reach of mariachi music. Confronting limited pathways at his school, he helped establish advanced physics coursework, co-founded engineering initiatives, and built partnerships with Caltech, UCLA, and USC to bring institutional resources to his community. A mariachi educator since age nine, he has dedicated 4,500+ hours to service founding his school’s mariachi program. He has organized professional workshops/festivals for high school mariachis and led hundreds of performances, from appearing with Dolores Huerta to opening for Grammy-winning artists. His work reflects a commitment to access, excellence, and cultural stewardship.
Reagan Graeme
Dallas, TX
Reagan Graeme is a champion of youth political engagement and civil discourse. As the founder of Youth Political Times, a youth-written online political publication, he has built a platform with dozens of writers across the world, attracting thousands of readers from over 50 countries. Reagan interned at the Oklahoma Office of the Attorney General, focusing on public transparency and tribal protections. Reagan has also worked with a private equity firm, Grey Rock Investment Partners, over two summers, advancing investments in cutting edge decarbonization technology through their Net Zero Fund. Reagan is a National Merit Finalist and a leader of his school’s Model UN, Finance & Entrepreneurship, and Chinese clubs. He plans to major in Economics and Public Policy.
Eric Gu
Los Angeles, CA
Eric Gu is a technology-driven aspiring social entrepreneur at Brentwood School. He invented multiple devices empowering people with disabilities, including Telebot – a brain-controlled robotic manipulator for individuals with quadriplegia. His work has been featured on Spectrum News, KTLA5, and the LA Daily News. At the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Eric developed a novel photon-counting CT algorithm to enhance diagnostic precision, which he presented at the SPIE Medical Imaging Conference in Canada. A YoungArts Winner in Classical Music, he served as Principal Flute in California all-state ensembles and performed on stages worldwide. In college, Eric plans to major in engineering to continue building technology that expands human potential.
Aneesh Gupta
Indianapolis, IN
Aneesh Gupta is from Carmel, Indiana. He is a Bank of America Student Leader, where he completed a public service internship centered on expanding equitable access and strengthening nonprofit strategy. He is also the founder of PEtoMedicaid.org, a platform designed to help families navigate the transition to full Medicaid coverage. At school, Aneesh is actively involved in robotics and debate, combining analytical thinking with persuasive communication. In his free time, he enjoys golfing and spending time with friends. His work reflects a strong interest in healthcare, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Mieraf Haile
Brookeville, MD
Mieraf Haile is an Ethiopian American changemaker from Olney, MD committed to advancing girls’ education and health equity. She is the founder of Aiding Girls Reach Education (AGRE), a nonprofit that expands access to education for hundreds of rural Ethiopian girls through community-based initiatives. Under her leadership, AGRE has raised thousands of dollars to fund tutoring and mentorship programs that open pathways to higher education. Balancing academic excellence with service, she works as a medical assistant, gaining hands-on experience in patient care and health systems. She brings discipline and resilience into her leadership and aspires to become a physician, combining her passion for health and service to create lasting change in underserved communities.
Caitlin Hall
Hedgesville, WV
Caitlin is a student leader committed to advancing civic engagement and youth empowerment. She was elected Governor of WV Girls State and will be presiding over the 400+ attendees this summer. Caitlin received the prestigious Jennings Randolph award and was sworn in as an Honorary Secretary of State after registering 100% of her senior class to vote. Through her four years as class president, she has led initiatives that strengthened school culture and increased student involvement. A dedicated athlete, she captained varsity swim and soccer, plays tennis, and ran track. She also works as a youth soccer referee and volunteered as a camp counselor for underprivileged children. This fall, Caitlin will attend Duke University and study economics.
Aden Hamilton
London, KY
Tucker Hamilton, GSE ’24 and GSP ’25 alum with 600+ service hours, is from London, Kentucky. Tucker leads North Laurel High School’s Autism Awareness Club, where he orchestrated Special Games serving 400+ students on the spectrum and engineered systems that keep inclusion consistent. He launched a sensory room by securing a municipal funding line for decompression resources and expanded a peer-mentoring network that fosters genuine friendships and support. Additionally, he competes individually and captains his team in Future Problem Solving, earning state titles. Through an independent study, he tackles accounting and economics coursework. He plans to major in Artificial Intelligence and Finance to scale opportunities in rural communities.
Lara Hammoud
Beverly Hills, MI
Lara Hammoud is a neurodiversity activist and researcher. Alongside her twin sister, she co-founded The Perception Foundation, now the largest youth-led nonprofit dedicated to neurodiversity and mental health support. She designed the first cost-effective sensory room model and scaled it into public schools, refugee clinics, and community centers – bringing calming, regulation-focused environments to spaces that had never had them before. Her work has impacted nearly half a million people across 34 countries. She has been an invited speaker at the United Nations, the International Conference on Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, and multiple state education and mental health conferences.
Maya Hammoud
Bloomfield Hills, MI
Maya, 18, is the visionary co-founder of The Perception Foundation, launched with her twin after creating a sensory room for their best friend with autism. Today, she leads the world’s largest youth-led nonprofit for neurodiversity and mental health, reaching 500,000+ people across 34 countries through evidence-based sensory resources and groundbreaking inclusive design. Maya has transformed neuroscience by discovering a novel early diagnostic pathway for neurodevelopmental disorders and developing a therapy with 97% efficacy. She has eight publications across diverse fields and is a sought-after expert, delivering keynotes to the United Nations, Wall Street Green Summit, global NDD conferences, and many more venues.
Aaron He
San Jose, CA
Aaron is a social justice advocate committed to cross-community solidarity. As President and Founder of the Indigenous Justice Coalition, a 501(c)(3), he leads 35 national chapters in support of 11 tribes, securing support from 90 lawmakers for federal recognition efforts and $525,000 in grant funding. As a researcher at Stanford, SCU, and the Center for Native Health Equity, Aaron published findings about Indigenous history and presented at national symposiums. At school, he captains the Policy Debate team, serves on the Unity Council Executive Committee, and emcees cultural showcases. Aaron is honored to be a California State Debate Co-Champion, Princeton Prize in Race Relations Winner, Point of Light Honoree, and 3x PVSA Gold recipient.
Diana Herrera
Allentown, PA
Diana Herrera, a proud Mexican-American, is committed to humanitarian rights, civic rights, & cultural endorsement. Named “Student of the Year” by the Golden Latin Awards for her efforts towards minority advocacy. She serves with ICDI organizing annual events offering resources, advocacy, & cultural remembrance for Hispanic families. A member of the Folkloric Dance Group, “Sin Fronteras,” she has been recognized at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence. As co-founder of Kaydi Dance Creations, she choreographs & teaches students seeking affordable dance education & resources. As Hispanic Honor Society president, she led the Sueño Latino chapter to earn AATSP national recognition while balancing multiple honor societies, academic excellence, artistry, & service.
Cash Hilinski
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Cash Hilinski is a researcher and nonprofit leader focused on operations research and public policy. He is the co-founder of The Perrin Institution, a youth organization of more than 200 members that has helped first generation and low-income students secure over 3 million dollars in scholarships and supported hundreds of young researchers in developing and submitting policy proposals to government bodies. His research applies systems engineering to public assistance programs, including a hospital claims processing model that reduced processing time to under 60 seconds and cut costs by 85 percent.
Addison Hill
Jackson, MI
Addison Hill is a novelist with chronic pain using literature to amplify disabled voices, hardships, and joy. She is a 2024 YoungArts Winner in Novel, a semifinalist for the National Student Poetry Program, and a recipient of two National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards gold medals. She’s an alumni of the 2025 Summer Workshop for Young Writers at the Kelly Writers House and the co-founder of BLEACH! Lit Mag. As the Northern Michigan Disability Network’s youngest volunteer, she oversees community outreach. In March 2026, she’ll perform in ‘Imagine US: America at 250’, monologuing original written work at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, Kimmel Center, and Boston Symphony Hall. Addison will study creative writing in college.
Nicholas Hishaw
Tucson, AZ
Nicholas Hishaw is a dedicated climate leader fighting for a sustainable future. As Policy Director of Arizona’s largest youth-led climate nonprofit, he partners with the state’s largest public utility on clean energy, supports statewide candidates, and leads nationally-recognized research on AI and nuclear fusion. He serves on the Governor’s Youth Commission on Domestic Violence Prevention and as IP Regional Teen Officer for Jack and Jill of America, where he fought for physical and financial accessibility reforms. Nicholas serves as President of his school’s Black Student Union and has lobbied on the hill for issues facing the Black Community with speakers like VP Kamala Harris. Nicholas will pursue International Business studies this fall.
Kathryn Ho
West Bloomfield, MI
Kathryn Ho is a leader committed to expanding opportunity and advancing equity. She founded Bridging the Care Gap, securing a $50,000 investment and mobilizing community partners to provide emergency medications to Detroit residents experiencing homelessness, with projected hospital savings of $5.5M. Beyond healthcare, she has built cross-sector coalitions expanding access to essential resources and employment pathways for underserved communities. A multi-year Drum Major, President of Tri-M and the Asian Student Alliance, and VP of DECA and Interact, Kathryn co-led her school’s first student-run store employing students with disabilities. She will attend the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania to study finance and scale impact.
Scott Holliday
Oak Park, IL
Scott Holliday is a community-driven scholar-athlete committed to tackling social exclusion in elite spaces. A lifelong fencer, he is the founder and CEO of Black Boys Fence, where he leads a peer-driven team expanding access to the sport by raising awareness, offering mentorship, and donating uniforms and equipment to more than 300 underrepresented K-8 students across Chicago. A nationally ranked fencer, 2x USA Fencing All-American, 3x Junior Olympian, and children’s book author, Scott champions representation through live demonstrations, school partnerships, and book readings. Scott plans to study behavioral economics and political science to understand how environments shape opportunity and to design scalable, equitable pathways in youth sports and beyond.
Michelle Huang
Columbus, OH
Michelle is a relentless advocate for meaningful change. She leads Honesty4OhioEd’s Youth Action Coalition, where she has trained 300+ youth advocates, organized rallies drawing 1,200+ attendees, introduced anti-implicit bias legislation, spearheaded 7 advocacy days, and became the first high schooler to speak at an Ohio legislative press conference. As president of the Asian American Coalition of Ohio, she delivered viral testimony, rallied 400+, and mobilized 130+ community members to provide verbal testimony against HB1. An internationally ranked martial artist and Princeton Prize in Race Relations recipient, Michelle has been published in The New York Times and The Columbus Dispatch. She will attend Harvard University this fall.
Grant Hubley
Waterville, OH
Grant Hubley is a youth leader with a strong commitment to leadership, advocacy, and public service. He served as a national officer for FCCLA, representing 260,000 members nationwide, and collaborated with education leaders and policymakers to advance critical skills and Family and Consumer Sciences education. Grant has also served as Class President, advocating for student voice and inclusive decision-making. He is deeply passionate about youth traffic safety, serving on national traffic safety panels to elevate prevention and education efforts. Grant is also a USSYP Delegate and will graduate from high school with his Associate’s Degree. He is especially dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and pursuing a career centered on equitable public policy.
Dominic Jacobson
Madison, WI
Dominic Jacobson is committed to shaping sustainable systems to expand opportunity and empower others to lead. Representing over two thousand members as Wisconsin FCCLA Vice President of Competitive Events, he develops statewide initiatives that expand access to leadership and competition pathways. At BPNN Food Pantry, he worked across departments and helped drive efforts that secured over fifty thousand pounds of food for community distribution, deepening his systems-level understanding of sustainable food access. Years immersed in musical theatre forged the communication, presence, and empathy that now drive how he leads and collaborates. Dominic will study Chemical Engineering at Brown University to advance sustainable food systems.
Neava Jagtap
Malvern, PA
Neava is an ardent advocate for the ill and elderly. She founded Heartful Minds, a nonprofit advancing neurodegenerative research, distributing community-crafted cards to oncology patients, and engaging PA legislators to champion policies addressing systemic challenges impacting the elderly. She has researched transgenic stem-cell therapy, the microbiota-brain axis, cancer, and socioeconomic barriers for dementia caregivers. At school, she led 1.4K+ students as Rep. to the District Board and presides over the Positively Picasso, HOSA/MedEx, and Red Cross clubs. A Coolidge Senator and Bausch+Lomb Honorary Science Award recipient, she will attend the University of Pennsylvania this fall to continue her commitment to health and public policy.
Angel Joshi
Kennewick, WA
Angel Joshi is an aspiring physician and is dedicated to advancing health equity through research, policy, and community action. She is the founder of HEARTforHealth, a nonprofit that expands access to healthcare through a comprehensive health literacy curriculum, global health initiatives, and political advocacy. She also serves as the National High School Coordinator for Narcare, where she develops resources to teach students nationwide about overdose prevention and harm reduction. Through mentorship at PNNL, Angel conducts innovative research on glioblastoma, and at school, she serves as president of HOSA and Science Club. In college, she plans to study medical humanities and public policy to reform healthcare systems globally.
Mantra Kaushal
Lake Orion, MI
Mantra Kaushal is driven by one question: how do we build systems to make elite opportunity accessible to everyone? As the CEO and founder of Lil Aces Tennis Academy, Mantra has impacted over 300 students across Michigan by empowering them with high-level training, mentorship, and leadership development. As President of Key2Finesse, Mantra and his team have raised almost $500,000 in the last 3 years in order to uplift struggling non-profits in their area. He also leads his school’s Forensics chapter, is a 4-year Varsity Tennis player, an FBLA national qualifier and state finalist, an intern at a financial Fortune 100, and a Coolidge Senator. In the future, Mantra hopes to build a private equity firm focused on scaling high-impact, mission-driven ventures.
Avery Kelley
Powder Springs, GA
Avery Kelley is a passionate filmmaker and creative based in Metro Atlanta, GA. In 2019, she founded her production company, Inspired Melanin Inc, that curates scripted and non-scripted content representing underrepresented communities in film and media. Producing 8 projects to date, and screening at over 17 international film festivals ranging from New Orleans to France, she plans on majoring in Film and Television Production with a directing concentration. Avery is the founder of the Love Carries On Drive, raising over 2,000 duffel bags and luggage tags nationally for foster children. Throughout high school, Avery loved serving as co-captain of her dance team, being a school news anchor, and serving as a leader in student government.
Lauren Kim
Lexington, SC
Lauren Kim is a social entrepreneur and leader who empowers young women and mobilizes communities. With 1.8+ million followers, she has partnered with 40+ global brands and co-developed an apparel collection. She founded ClickCause to connect digital platforms and community needs, distributing monthly donations and increasing a local nonprofit’s engagement by 400%. As Student Body President and a principal’s intern, she pioneered cross-club collaboration and drove record-breaking metrics. She is also a South Carolina DECA State Officer leading 3,200+ members, School District Representative, Varsity Tennis Captain, and more. She plans to study business and data-driven strategy to design innovative systems that create lasting social impact.
Shaunya Kumar
Shakopee, MN
Shaunya Kumar is passionate about vocalizing human rights. She’s worked with Vicente Ferrere Foundation and India Philanthropy Alliance on literacy access in South Asia. As founder of Rural Literacy Empowerment, she built 19 libraries across India, distributing 21k books. Shaunya serves as a student representative on her school board and has canvassed for local and congressional races. With India Association of MN she lobbied for immigrant student policy reforms. Shaunya also worked at her County Public Health to conduct their first at-risk communities cannabis needs assessment. Lastly, she’s co-captain of her Speech team and founder of her school’s National History Day club – placing 6th nationally in NHD 2025. She will study History and Global Affairs in college.
George LaComb
Orlando, FL
George LaComb is a student leader who believes service brings lasting change. As Florida’s NASC Representative, he represented over 3.38 million students across 8,000 schools, advocating in Washington, D.C., for expanded opportunity in public education. With over seven years in student government and as an officer in 20+ clubs and organizations, an AP Scholar with Distinction, a QuestBridge Match Finalist, a Leaders for Life Fellow, a National Speech and Debate Academic All-American, a multi-year participant in the Florida House and Senate Page program, a multi-sport athlete, and with over 2,000+ community service hours, he has dedicated his life to service and excellence. He strives to make lasting opportunities and impacts to his community and beyond.
Adeline Law
St. Charles, MO
Adeline Law is a passionate advocate and leader dedicated to driving policy change and serving her community. Being a Girl Scout with over 500 service hours, Adeline is committed to helping others, founding the nonprofit FoodforThought, an organization focused on reducing food waste. She has authored statewide mental health legislation aimed at serving over 800,000 Missouri public school students, grown civic engagement as MO Outreach Director for AYA, and served as Chief of Staff for the Missouri YMCA Youth & Government’s 650+ delegate convention. She also serves as State President of Epsilon Beta, being the only student presenter at the MLA conference, has presented a TEDx talk, and is a NSDA Academic All-American. This fall, she plans to study political science.
Lucia Lecour
Surfside, FL
An avid learner & leader, Lucia is passionate about using creative tools to break down complex systems. As Founder & Chair of her town’s Youth Commission she represents 1,700 residents & has lobbied for environmental reform in Tallahassee, passed local legislation & launched a database expanding youth access to jobs & internships. Inspired by her experience as the daughter of an immigrant, Lucia has helped dozens through the naturalization process, bridging language & accessibility gaps through the FL Immigrant Coalition & US Citizenship Foundation. She is also the co-founder of AllerSense LLC, a med-tech startup that has raised $8,500 in seed funding, placed 2nd in the Diamond Challenge & earned her recognition as a Top 25 Emerging Innovator of the Year.
Gary Leschinsky
Salem, OR
Gary is an environmental researcher, advocate, and chess mentor dedicated to empowering youth. He has conducted environmental research at multiple universities, culminating in research publications and conference presentations. He has received 3 US Patents for his inventions. As the Editor-in-Chief of the International Youth Scientists Journal, Gary democratizes and promotes equity in science. Also, he is a National Chess Master and the founder and director of Chess Beyond Borders, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that uses chess to bridge cultural divides. Gary has taught chess to over 8,000 students across 91 countries. Through research and chess, Gary wants to help create the next generation of scientists, environmental advocates, and leaders.
Arielle Li
Overland Park, KS
Striving to platform youth voices, Arielle organized the very first TEDx Youth Event in her region and has published videos to the official TEDx Talks channel with 44M+ subscribers. She is an editor of elementia, a literary magazine highlighted by the New York Times that receives ~1,000 international writing and art submissions every year. As a ballet dancer since five years old, Arielle has performed for 10,000+ people and placed 3x Top 24 out of 300+ national competitors at Youth America Grand Prix KC. She is a Girls Nation Senator, Kenyon Young Writer, Bill of Rights Institute Student Fellow, 3x DECA ICDC Medalist, and National Merit Finalist. Arielle finds joy in creating spaces where no one is left out and everyone is truly heard.
Sophia Liang
Carmel, IN
Sophia Liang is a researcher and advocate advancing health and education equity. Through a $2.85M Children’s Bureau initiative, she helped implement trauma-informed programs across 10 Indiana counties and co-authored eight federal reports. As a youth representative to a national DOJ initiative, she informed revisions to Indiana state code to reduce child maltreatment. Sophia also co-founded Girls Do STEM, a nonprofit that has raised $13k to expand STEM programs, and worked for a Stanford-backed mental health startup, the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, and the Women’s Foundation of Massachusetts. She captains her Science Bowl team, leads Chemistry Club, and plays piano. This fall, Sophie will attend Columbia to study Applied Math.
Gregory Lin
Searcy, AR
Gregory Lin is an advocate, researcher, and leader improving health equity locally and globally. As founder of Stars for Hearts, he advances health literacy and access to care in underserved communities, establishing five chapters across the U.S., Singapore, and Canada. He has served on U.S. Senator Boozman’s Congressional Youth Cabinet to address rural health disparities and attended the GHLC at JHU. Author of a children’s book on heart health, he’s also conducted award-winning spider behavioral ecology research & developed the first known spider endurance treadmill. He founded and leads his school’s science and cooking club and captains varsity tennis. Gregory will continue pursuing health reform for underserved communities at UPenn.
Elaine Liu
Syosset, NY
Elaine is a leader, author, and policy advocate dedicated to advancing educational equity. Inspired by her ESL experiences as an immigrant, she founded Uplift Scholars, a nonprofit impacting 7,000+ underserved youth via K-12 classes, programs, and guides across 15+ countries. Using her words to inspire change, Elaine published one of the first children’s books on educational inequality, informed government agencies and 48,000+ readers through Perrin Research Institution, and founded ShareAsianVoices, a platform amplifying Asian narratives. She is honored to be a Regeneron STS Scholar, Bank of America Student Leader, Congressional Intern, and NY DECA Regional President, featured by the U.S. Department of Education, the UN, ACLU, and Newsday.
Fatou Lo
Winston Salem, NC
Fatou Lo is a Senegalese American student leader from Winston-Salem, North Carolina advancing educational equity and youth civic engagement locally and globally. A United States Senate Youth Program delegate, Princeton Prize in Race Relations recipient, and Global Ambassador with UNA-USA, she represents 17 million Senegalese youth and helped raise $30,000 for rural education initiatives. She founded Growth Guardians, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting 1,300+ students through tutoring and mentorship, and co-founded Diaspora Dialogues, training 200 first-generation African and Caribbean youth in policy advocacy. She has also translated for 150+ asylum cases, expanding access to legal support for immigrant families.
Megana Madhurakavi
Robbinsville, NJ
Megana Madhurakavi is a sustainability-driven entrepreneur and founder of Liila, an ethical fashion and education initiative whose content has reached over 500,000 viewers and over 10,000 students through workshops and pop-ups. Liila’s fabrics include OEKO-TEX® certified bamboo French terry, banana fiber, organic cotton, and upcycled materials, among others. A Kuchipudi dancer, Madhurakavi has used Indian classical dance to raise over $10,000 for rural and visually challenged students through VT Seva. As an ambassador for the Social Impact Investment Foundation and the United Nations Global Leadership & ESG Programme, as well as a former FEMA Youth Preparedness Council Equity & Access Lead, she works to advance youth leadership globally.
Ronan Maher
Sioux Falls, SD
Ronan is an advocate, author, and entrepreneur from Sioux Falls, SD. He started the Financial Freedom Initiative, providing accessible financial education to over 205,000 youth in 90+ countries. He also serves as a Board Member of Young Investors Society, helping expand financial education worldwide, and has represented US youth as a delegate and speaker at the United Nations. Ronan’s deeply committed to service and the outdoors. He volunteers in Search and Rescue, contributes to SAR drone research, and is an Eagle Scout who earned all 137 merit badges. A five-time national rowing champion, he has represented Team USA at international competitions. In his free time, Ronan enjoys hiking, cooking, reading, and spending time with friends.
Gabriel Martinez
McAllen, TX
Gabriel Armando Martinez is a cancer genetics researcher and community advocate from South Texas. He serves as Regional Director for the National Hispanic Institute, Student Body President, Texas Boys State dual delegate, and a Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar. Addressing the sharp rise in student homelessness, graduation barriers, and food anxiety, he co-founded Meaningful Meals, now across 33 campuses, the Stable Space Project, and the Giving Greenhouse, an eco-friendly student-led food system. He founded smARTeens, a STEAM outreach program for underrepresented youth, teaching bioARTistry modules he created that bring science concepts to life. Gabriel helped raise $99,000 for medical research and plans to pursue an MD-PhD studying biochemistry and public health.
Madelyn Maxey
Fort Smith, AR
Madelyn Maxey drives impact through civic engagement, policy, and the arts. She founded the Fort Smith Mayor’s Youth Council to connect and inspire youth leaders alongside city officials and leads over 13,000 students as Class President and a school district advisory representative. In Senator John Boozman’s Youth Cabinet, she crafted a rural healthcare reform proposal presented at the Arkansas State Capitol. Madelyn discovered her voice for advocacy through music as a three-time All-State Choir member, Superior State soloist, and member of the nationally recognized Sweet Adelines quintet, the Decibelles. With a goal of advancing equity through policy alongside Arkansas United, she is excited to study Public Policy and Political Science this fall.
Noelle McGill
Lucas, TX
Noelle’s dedication is personal, daily, and deeply rooted in her family life. Inspired by her younger brother with Down syndrome, she frequently sees the power of empathy and inclusion. She’s a Peer Assistant Leader (PAL) and Special Olympics Unified Partner who champions spaces where students of all abilities belong. Passionate about creative expression, she led a special needs activity group and engineers sensory tools for Special Ed curricula. A decorated pianist and artist recognized with Scholastic Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mentions, her heart for service guides all she does. Whether promoting initiatives for WE Club or waitressing at a local Italian restaurant, Noelle finds joy in giving back to the community that raised her.
Maria Andreina Mendez Martell
Bozeman, MT
Maria immigrated from Venezuela three years ago and has overcome language barriers to become a powerful advocate and leader for Bozeman’s immigrant community. She founded her high school’s Multilingual Tutoring Program, connecting students with peer support to strengthen English proficiency. Driven by a passion for her community, she co-organized a free clothing drive that collected over 25,000 pieces of clothing and had over 1,000 attendees. Maria is a very involved member of her school’s community, serving as president of the Rotary Club, Speech and Debate Co-Captain, NHS Vice-President, President of the Spanish Honor Society, founder of the Multilingual Ambassador Group representing Hispanic students at her school, and DECA competitor.
Philip Meng
Andover, MA
Philip Meng is a researcher, entrepreneur, and leader focused on using technology and innovation to drive social impact. He has three peer-reviewed papers in AI/NLP, with his work on dialectal bias in LLMs cited by Google, Microsoft, Oxford, Stanford, and CMU. He co-founded Launchpad, a startup and non-profit incubator with 37 chapters across 8 countries and 9 states, and created The Early Founder, a podcast featuring 20+ CEO interviews with 14k+ followers and 20M+ views. Philip is a $25k Davidson Fellow, US Senate Youth Program Finalist, and UN Delegate for Science, Tech, and Innovation. He is the Student Body Co-President of Phillips Academy and a three-time US Squash Scholar-Athlete on a team ranked 7th nationally. In college, he plans to study CS and Sociology.
Dominic Mimbang
Douglas, GA
Guided by his lived experience as an immigrant, Dominic is a social policy advocate who founded Knowledge Empowers to host workshops for underrepresented youth. As Education Team Lead for Work2BeWell and a HS Board Member for Active Minds, he has directed mental health initiatives directly reaching 200K+ youth internationally and introduced a student mental health bill (GA SB490). Dominic is the first Georgian Boys Nation President Pro Tem, 2x Princeton Prize Finalist, UGA Researcher, and BRI Student Fellow. He leads political efficacy initiatives as GAHSD State Vice Chair & DMYC Jr. Mayor Pro Tem and has lobbied on Capitol Hill alongside the ACLU. He serves 200K+ members as an FBLA Programs Director and distributed 3K+ garments to indigenous Cameroonians.
Fatima Zahra Najri
Cambridge, MA
As an advocate for equity, Fatima pushes boundaries to promote inclusivity in her communities. She mentors at-risk youth and leads the Peer Mentor Support Group, supporting FGLI and POC students. She has conducted internationally published research at Harvard on the psychological effects of caregiving for children with cognitive disabilities, interns at the Harvard Nock Lab, and is co-chair of her city’s youth council, blending her love of psychology with action. She’s also Vice President of MSA, where she created “Taste of Ramadan” and secured the first-ever $750+ Equity Grant, now up to $1,000 annually. She’s received awards such as the Harvard BLB Award, the NLC Youth Create! Challenge, and the Seed of the Future Award. She’s also a three-sport varsity athlete.
Katherine Nguyen
St. Louis, MO
Katherine Nguyen, a proud Vietnamese Midwesterner, is a passionate health advocate and musician. She works with The Very Asian Foundation and Act to Change to uplift minority voices nationwide. She researches medical inequities at Washington University and launched an AANHPI Health Kit Project through an Aspen Institute seed grant. Katherine is an advisor to the National Youth Leadership Council, organizing international events to empower youth voices. As a violist, she leads her city’s youth symphony, co-founded her school’s Buskers Club, and is a two-time National Youth Orchestra delegate representing America on Asian and European tours. At school, she directs Robotics and The Works literary magazine. In her free time, she enjoys tennis and photography!
Jaiden Nwabuzor
Hawthorne, CA
Jaiden Nwabuzor is a dual enrollment student at the California Academy of Math and Science with a strong interest in cybersecurity, computer science, and financial literacy. He has several years of experience in marketing and finance and actively invests while promoting smart money habits among his peers. Jaiden is involved in numerous organizations on campus, including VEX Robotics (687D), Science Olympiad, debate, CyberPatriots, Key Club, California Scholarship Federation, and the DIME Program. Passionate about service, he discovered his purpose through events like Furbaby Love Fest and is committed to making the world safer through cybersecurity, believing digital protection is a modern form of community service.
Ndiana Obot
Willowbrook, IL
Ndiana is an aspiring Computational Linguist. As founder of MkpọŋNLP, he is pioneering efforts to preserve the Ibibio language online: creating the largest text & name corpora, alongside a comprehensive English-Ibibio dictionary. His research evaluating Large Language Models(LLM) performance in West African languages has also earned him invitations to present at IEEE GHTC’25 and TSLL’25. Beyond Computational Linguistics, Ndiana co-developed PALM, a collaborative project providing vibrotactile & thermal feedback to upper-limb prosthetic users, and designed software to enable the use of Molecular Beam Epitaxy to develop Quantum Circuits at the University of Chicago. He plans to study Computer Science and Linguistics at Dartmouth College.
Tasia Osili
Indianapolis, IN
Tasia Osili is an advocate for equity in education and healthcare. Serving on the Indianapolis Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council, she represents over 235,000 youth in her city, voicing youth concerns to elected officials and state departments. Tasia continues to further her dedication to education by serving as President of Learn Like Me, a student-led organization committed to combating the educational disparities students of color face, through service work and education across Indianapolis. Additionally, Tasia has committed herself to advancing pediatric cancer research funding through the Caroline Symmes Children’s Cancer Endowment, individually raising over $23,000. Tasia plans to major in Political Science to continue her work in public policy and advocacy.
Alessio Pasini
Warren, NJ
Alessio is passionate about building bridges across cultures and expanding economic opportunities for others. Growing up trilingual, he nurtured a passion for language and started Arabic in High School. A NSLI-Y Arabic Scholar and Alumni Representative, he leads programming for 10,000+ alumni. He uses his languages to help his community, including families at a local law office and his school’s Latino Student Union. As an Eagle Scout, he built an accessible garden for local seniors and leads Harmony, a music group performing in senior homes. Music is his fifth language. A classical pianist, he co-founded The Overpass band and launched their first original album. Alessio will attend the Huntsman Program at the University of Pennsylvania.
Diya Patel
League City, TX
Diya Patel is a community leader committed to dismantling structural barriers that limit upward mobility. As Executive Director of Supplies for Smiles, an international organization addressing resource gaps in marginalized classrooms, she has collected over 30K supplies and spearheaded educational empowerment workshops for 300+ students. She founded Friends of the Community to expand leadership opportunities and instill “service above self” in Title I elementary schools across Texas. As Cultivator Chair for Everybody’s Place, Diya helped raise over $250K to support 26 housing units for the homeless in Galveston County. At school, she serves as Class Vice President, Speech Co-Captain, and Superintendent Forum Representative, amplifying the voices of 40K students.
Aayan Pattanayak
The Woodlands, TX
Aayan is a hotshot entrepreneur passionate about MedTech, IPR, and public policy. Inspired by the unconscionable healthcare pricing in his parents’ home country, India, Aayan co-founded PMBioTech, where he launched the first eye-controlled wheelchair at a 98% price reduction. As Texas’s #3-ranked debater, he combines his business mindset with his passion for policy to advocate for BioTech IP legislation at the TX Capitol. Outside the hall, Aayan is a movie connoisseur, spreading the message “All Izz Well” from his favorite Bollywood film, 3 Idiots, through his mental-health initiative, HurtingIsHuman, highlighting his commitment to empowering lost voices. This fall, he will study economics and social policy, inspiring others to embrace the belief “Sabu Thik Achi.”
Arianna Pereira
Easton, CT
Arianna is an EMT and neurodiversity advocate. Upon founding Spark – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in CT – she has sponsored inclusive 3D printing workshops and has provided stipends to neurodivergent artists and public art programs in her community. As a Grey Matter Project chapter founder she works with Yale School of Medicine to make healthcare topics accessible, promoting equality in STEM education. Arianna has also done research at Brown University School of Public Health; her projects include predicting clinical trial exclusion criteria by coding machine learning models & analyzing reproductive health policy changes. She plans to continue her experiences volunteering at home and abroad as a neuroscience major offered admission to Yale College.
Mischa Marie Perzanowski
Las Vegas, NV
Mischa Perzanowski is a FGLI student leader in healthcare equity. A PhD-mentored researcher at Duke and Cornell Universities, she has published papers in neuro-oncology and neuropsychiatry, integrating her findings into CCSD biomed curricula for 305k+ students. A Restoring Rainbows Exec. Director of Corp. Outreach, she scaled a global initiative across 200+ branches in 52 countries, recycling 10,000 items into 40,000 donated school supplies. A Civics Education President commended by Nevada’s U.S. Senators, additional honors include HOSA’s International Award of Excellence, LLS Hall of Fame status, and an international Gold-Level BJSA for 1,100+ medical hours. A QuestBridge Match Recipient, Mischa will attend Yale University to study HSM.
Sophia Pilgrim
Ketchikan, AK
Sophia Pilgrim is a community-driven leader from Ketchikan, Alaska, committed to expanding primary prevention resources for youth. She co-founded Sealevel Youth Center, securing $3.5 million to launch the region’s first low-barrier youth center and to create a safe, accessible space for young people. As a senior member of Ketchikan Youth For Change, she has reached more than 700 elementary students with alcohol and drug prevention education. She also serves as President of Kayhi Rotary Interact, leading initiatives that have raised over $10,000 for local and international nonprofits. In addition, she served as Senator Lisa Murkowski’s Senate Page for a semester in the U.S. Senate and is a recipient of the Alaska Spirit of Youth Life Saver Award.
Siona (Dolly) Pramoda
Guaynabo, PR
Siona “Dolly” Pramoda is a youth advocate dedicated to digital safety. She co-founded SafeTeensOnline, delivering multilingual, peer-to-peer cyber safety education to over 5 million students worldwide. Her mission is to craft safe, judgement-free learning spaces through community engagement. Recognized as one of the youngest honorees on Forbes 30 Under 30 and by Prudential, T-Mobile, and former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Dolly believes digital safety is a fundamental right and that safe digital participation is essential to unlocking youth potential. She envisions a digital bill of rights for one billion students and plans to pursue an interdisciplinary path in health, the environment and public policy, grounded in lifelong service.
Jesse Profeta
North Miami Beach, FL
Jesse Profeta is a community-driven leader from Miami, Florida, committed to advancing sustainable and equitable development. He is the founder of Wheels for Feels, a nonprofit that refurbishes and donates bicycles to individuals and families in need; through school-based donation drives and business partnerships, he has raised over $60,000, rebuilt 100+ bikes, partnered with eight+ businesses, and expanded internationally. As founder of IslandHuggers, he leads volunteer initiatives that remove trash from local waterways, cleaning 13,000+ lbs to date. His research on adaptive reuse has strengthened his approach to sustainable urban revitalization and community-centered impact. Jesse plans to study Global Development at Cornell University.
Coco Qiu
Hull, GA
Coco Qiu is a driven community service leader and athlete that is dedicated to expanding equitable access to resources and opportunities to underserved communities. A nationally ranked ECNL soccer player, who led her team to Nationals for 3 consecutive years, founded AAWIS: a nonprofit that focuses on increasing Asian American representation and guidance for girls navigating the college recruitment process. As a 21st Century Leaders Goizueta Business Fellow, she applied her leadership as President of her school’s Anchor Club, growing it to 65+ members and partnering with numerous local service organizations to support and bridging students with local needs. She is interested in studying computer science and sociology.
Mira Quayle
Durango, CO
Mira is passionate about women empowerment, conservation, and the outdoors. As co-chair of Mayor Youth Advisory Commission, Mira discovered the importance of citizen participation in governance, voicing youth priorities and advocating for the creation of a sports complex through allocation of tax revenues. She has found similar satisfaction through initiatives from Women in Leadership Development, Green Team, and Interact. Whether spearheading volunteer days at the senior center, setting up pop-up thrift stores to reduce fast fashion, or establishing environmental clubs at local elementary schools, she finds each effort has deepened her sense of responsibility to work with others, protect the environment, and foster community.
Sylvie Raab
New York, NY
Sylvie Raab is passionate about civic engagement, languages and ecological restoration. She founded GenBallot, an intergenerational coalition that unites teens and older adults to eliminate barriers to voting and promote civic education. She leads 125+ teens as Co-Chair of the NextGen Executive Board of DOROT, a national non-profit dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults and fostering friendship between the generations. An aspiring polyglot, Sylvie is a heritage Spanish speaker, a proficient Hebrew speaker and has recently started learning Korean through a U.S. State Department-funded scholarship. A NYC Parks Department Tree Steward, Sylvie takes care of the street trees in her neighborhood. She plans to attend Yale in the fall.
Blake Rabinowitz
Dix Hills, NY
Blake Rabinowitz is an author and civic advocate dedicated to ensuring no student feels alone. Her short-reads Amazon bestseller, Advice from the Older Sister I Never Had, has helped teens nationwide find their voice. Blake also shaped and advocated for the Safe Spaces initiative, securing $7.5 million as an inaugural member of Governor Hochul’s Youth Mental Health Advisory Board. She founded happy heARTs, delivering 350+ paintings to seniors, and raised over $60,000 for Spoil Me Pink, which supports women with breast cancer. Outside her service, Blake is a Team Suffolk swimmer, President of her school’s Speech & Debate and Mock Trial teams, and a We the People state champion. She plans to pursue a legal career using the law to turn empathy into lasting change.
Andrew Rahana
Phoenix, AZ
Andrew Rahana is a student leader committed to expanding equitable access to STEM learning through sustained, hands-on service. As President of HOSA and the Red Cross, he has raised over $30,000, organized large-scale blood drives engaging hundreds of donors, and helped coordinate thousands of free sports physicals for underserved youth. He built initiatives serving 200+ students, mentored middle school children, and tutored hundreds in STEM. Internationally, he established libraries in Kenya and Uganda, collecting 2,000+ books through UNICEF. Through Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s Teen Council, Arizona Science Center’s Teen Advisory Board, and Make-A-Wish Arizona’s Youth Leadership Council, he continues advancing youth healthcare advocacy.
Kavin Ramasamy
Chicago, IL
Kavin Ramasamy is passionate about removing barriers to Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO). A senior at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School in Chicago, he serves as the IL FBLA State President and National North Central Region VP, developing initiatives and conference programming that prepare students for college and the workforce. As Junior Economic Club Chicago President and Global Co-VP, he creates experiences that help students explore economics and policy. As 1 of 21 members of the Illinois State Board of Education Student Advisory Council, representing 2M+ students, and CTSO Board President, he elevates student voice, promotes CTE, and lobbies for increased CTE/CTSO funding.
Raghav Ramprasad
Frisco, TX
Raghav Ramprasad is a driven young leader dedicated to using technology for positive social change. As the founder of SprinklSmart, he tackled Texas’ water crisis by leveraging climate data to build a smart irrigation tool for homeowners across the DFW area. He serves as a Co-Director for Stanford’s Climate Leaders Fellowship, mentoring students around the world on climate projects. A hands-on builder and community leader, he is the captain of Singularity Robotics, one of the few student-led FRC teams to qualify for the FIRST World Championships. Most recently, he developed SafeWatch, a preventative AI tool that flags social media content indicating potential mental health concerns. Raghav plans to pursue social robotics and environmental engineering in college.
Anthony Rodas-Camacho
Houston, TX
Anthony is an aspiring pediatric neurosurgeon interested in health equity and youth advocacy. He founded CBO Neurobridge and serves as co-director of MHA Houston’s Youth Board, advancing mental health education in underrepresented spaces. He serves as Texas Heart Institute researcher, Houston Neuroscience Brain Center intern, and created CapTure, an EEG-based start-up for SUD treatment and physician burnout. His work has been recognized by the Baylor College of Medicine, the NYT, and local documentaries. Anthony is a nationally recognized Model UN delegate, Texas Youth Music Festival Winner with ”˜In The Attic’, and host of Hispanic celebrations of 2,000+ attendees. Anthony will study neuroscience and public health at Brown University.
Josh Roga
Scottsdale, AZ
Josh Roga, a compelling leader from Scottsdale, Arizona, is devoted to uplifting others through performance and leadership. Through his work at Desert Stages Theatre, he directs and choreographs youth theatre camps, mentoring young performers and supporting nonprofit productions. As student body president, he oversees assemblies and campus initiatives that shape student life. A performer in 15+ productions during high school, he founded STEM on Stage through STEMducate, using theatre to expand access to STEM education. At school, he has held leadership positions in six clubs, currently serving as president of DECA, Drama Club, and Ambassadors. Looking ahead, Josh plans to study economics and finance while remaining involved in theatre.
Alexander Royal
Atlanta, GA
Alexander is a community leader and advocate for health equity. Recognized as an Atlanta “20 Under 20” Honoree and published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, he focuses on stigmatized areas of medicine. He founded HealthPride, a nonprofit providing queer health education materials to 500+ schools across the South. Additionally, he directs a grassroots organization, Metro Atlanta Students For Alternative Medicine, advocating for cannabis and psychedelic medical policy reform. As an Eagle Scout, he organized an Atlanta-wide pajama drive, yielding 2,000 clothing items and impacting over 750 pediatric patients. At school, he serves as Student Body President, HOSA President, Red Cross Club Founder, Science NHS VP, and Varsity Swim Captain.
Abigail Ruiz
Denver, CO
Abigail Ruiz is a passionate advocate with a growing interest in policy and equity-focused work. She holds roles in local organizations and student-led groups, contributing to projects that expand access to resources and support. Abigail is also involved in mentorship, helping students navigate opportunities in her community. Her participation in the LEDA Scholars Program and the Disney Dreamers Academy has strengthened her long-term goals by giving her exposure to leadership development and real-world problem-solving. Abigail is considering majoring in public policy, psychology, and law-related pathways.
Maya Russell
Seattle, WA
Maya Russell is a nationally recognized interdisciplinary artist and community advocate. A 2026 YoungArts Winner with Distinction in Voice, she has sung for the NFL, NHL, and with Grammy winner Mavis Staples. Maya uses spoken word and songwriting to raise awareness and spark dialogue. And through leadership roles, creates tangible opportunities for change. A two-term Class President, she also served on the Jack and Jill of America regional board, advancing inclusion initiatives for 400+ teens. At the School for Ethics and Global Leadership in Johannesburg, she conducted collaborative research on child trafficking in Nigeria. Maya plans to continue blending music, storytelling, and leadership to build empathy and drive meaningful change.
Chloe Ryan
Dayton, OH
Chloe is a student teacher and education equity advocate committed to expanding access to meaningful learning. Raised in urban public schools, she witnessed how access to opportunities can transform a student’s future – including her own. She founded Dayton NeuroKidz, delivering weekly STEAM instruction to 3rd-4th graders, and has spent four summers student teaching K-4 at Ruskin Elementary. A principal violist in school and regional orchestras, she also provides free string instruction to local youth. She represents 4,000+ students as DPS Student Senate Vice President and serves as Stivers HOSA President & Founder, in addition to leading GSA, NHS, and Orchestra Council. She plans to study education and public policy to advance equitable systems nationwide.
Azeemah Sadiq
Houston, TX
Azeemah Sadiq is a community organizer and policy advocate advancing equity and social justice issues. She is the founder of GenVote Alief, a youth-led organization empowering hundreds of students across Houston from underrepresented communities to lead civic and policy initiatives. She serves as Vice Chair of the Texas SBOE Student Advisory Council, representing 5.5 million students. Azeemah has conducted juvenile justice research to support incarcerated youth, worked with the U.S. Department of Education, and helped pass student-focused bills in the Texas Legislature. She has been recognized by Asahi Shimbun, Japan’s second-largest newspaper, and two U.S. Congressional offices. She plans to study public policy at Stanford and pursue a career in law.
Yasmine Sakr
Hot Springs, AR
Yasmine is a leader committed to advancing health outcomes in underserved populations. After identifying gaps in dementia care in Arkansas, she conducted research with Brown University evaluating the impact of rural cognitive literacy programs, with findings accepted for the 2026 International Neuropsychological Conference. As NHS VP, she founded a citywide digital literacy initiative serving seniors and, through the AR Children’s Hospital, conducted a meta-analysis investigating renal toxicity in neuroblastoma patients. Working in Sen. Boozman’s Youth Cabinet, she advocated for Medicaid expansion to strengthen postpartum care. An award-winning journalist, NHS national finalist, and avid pianist, Yasmine will attend Northwestern University.
Carlos Salazar
Kansas City, MO
Carlos Salazar is an aspiring computer engineer focused on building technology that benefits his community. While working at Children’s Mercy Kansas City Hospital, he saw firsthand how improvements in technology, data integrity, and accuracy transform patient care, inform decision-making, and improve the lives of young patients. Seeking an impact that was both immediate and tangible, Carlos revived GoBabyGo in Kansas City, pairing local robotics teams with children with disabilities to create customized ride-on cars that enable independent mobility. Carlos has dedicated over 750 hours to community service, earning the Congressional Award Gold Medal, and was named a FIRST Dean’s List Finalist for his leadership in robotics.
Shanza Sami
Iowa City, IA
Shanza Sami is an environmental researcher and journalist advancing data-driven climate solutions. A Regeneron STS Top 300 Scholar, National STEM Champion, and 3M Young Scientist Challenge Top 3 National Winner, she presented air pollution mitigation research at the American Meteorological Society, NASA, Regeneron ISEF, and national symposia, earning a Grand Award and multiple NASA honors, in addition to being published. As founder of STEM for Youth, she has led 15+ events serving 800+ students and raised $5k to expand STEM access. An Al Neuharth Free Spirit Award recipient and Editor-in-Chief of West Side Story, she bridges science, policy, and journalism to scale equitable environmental impact. Shanza plans to study environmental science and policy in college.
Mir-Aedrees Sekandari
Glendale, AZ
Mir-Aedrees Sekandari is an Afghan-American advocate for humanitarian relief and education. Witnessing Afghanistan’s food crisis and girls’ school ban, he launched ESONA Relief Fund and delivered $200k+ in aid and educational resources, twice recognized with LA CD13’s $4.6k grant. Founder of Survivor Style, a nonprofit clothing brand, he funds UNHCR, IRC, and IRAP, and has coded Newcomers AZ to help refugee families assimilate into Arizona, garnering 5k+ downloads. As RISE’s Program Coordinator, he constructs curricula for refugee children statewide. One of three Equedi Prize Pitch Scholars and an 8x FBLA champion, he has earned the Gold PVSA for service. On weekends, he helps at his family’s gelato shop and uses embroidery to give voice to Afghan women’s truths.
Aarsh Shekhar
Austin, TX
Aarsh is a patent-pending researcher and advocate for equitable healthcare and education. Having published work in AI and biomedical systems, he is one of 70 Harvard OpenBio SRI Scholars and one of NASA’s youngest interns, with recognition from Society for Science, Regeneron, and Broadcom, and a keynote speaker at MIT + ICMLH. Driven to make innovation globally accessible, he founded VKS Intl., redefining STEM education for tens of thousands of refugees across Asia. Representing 55K students as a district ambassador, he has engaged leaders incl. the White House Domestic Policy Council and U.S. Secretary of Education. Outside the lab, he is an Eagle Scout and avid backpacker! Aarsh plans to study science, technology, and society in the fall.
Quinton Smith
Ottawa Hills, OH
Quinton is a leader across domains, spearheaded by nationally-recognized solar research improving energy technology outside of Earth’s atmosphere. He drives success, from international Model UN distinction to state-level STEM captaincy & national Quizbowl placement. He has led dozens of tutors through curricula support, organized 50+ volunteers locally, and led numerous clubs – from Spanish & diversity groups to math & finance clubs. Whether founding a free youth investing group or fighting gun violence through political action, he remains committed to his community. A state-level runner and nationally-ranked barebow archer, Quinton plans to study Finance & Materials Science at the University of Pennsylvania’s M&T Program this fall.
Tony Starns
Whitehouse, TX
Tony Starns is a first-generation student driven to advance equitable healthcare leadership and research. A QuestBridge Scholar, he will attend Columbia University on a full ride to study Biophysics & Philosophy. Tony currently works as a Clinical Accessioner at Advanta Genetics while serving as TX HOSA Area 3 Vice President (10k+ students), NHS/HOSA Chapter/BPA President, and SNHS Co-Founder. He conducts computational and molecular genetics research focused on genetic variant analysis. Tony has interned at the Whitehouse Government Chambers, founded a Student SHAC to elevate health policy, led/founded nationally ranked parliamentary teams, and mentored students as Policy Debate Captain to expand access to care through national advocacy.
Tarun Tammana
Eden Prairie, MN
Tarun is a passionate engineer and leader who desires to create meaningful change nationwide. At UMN, he utilized Digital Inline Holography to track 150,000+ pathogens, mitigating particulate & bacteria flow on crops so farmers can sustain healthier lifestyles. Modernizing healthcare, Tarun engineered a biosensor for tinnitus treatment with a patent set for 2027. As an Athena Edtech Co-Founder, he created a Concordia graduate program, empowering 180+ faculty to utilize AI efficiently & effectively in classrooms. As his school’s NHS President, Tarun organized ‘Messages that Matter,’ delivering 2,500+ letters of solidarity to Annunciation shooting survivors. Majoring in Electrical Engineering and AI, Tarun aims to drive consequential innovation for a vibrant future.
Karissa Tang
Sunnyvale, CA
Karissa Tang is a joyful and visionary creator and leader. She founded Booted!, an educational board game sold on Amazon with 5 figures in revenue and donations. Her research paper about AI’s impact on teen employment was featured on CNN, NPR, MSN, and Forbes. A decorated music composer, she won 25 international awards with 1M listens and invites to Vienna, Carnegie Hall, and LA. She also built 8 mobile apps with 15k users. Beyond creating, Karissa serves as a church youth group leader, county government representative for 400k youth, nonprofit board member, NHS president, UCLA research assistant, basketball coach, and magician (with a Guinness World Record!) Karissa’s life purpose is to steward her passions to fully love and impact others.
Whisper Tawdross
Belleville, NJ
Whisper Tawdross is an Egyptian-American advocate for equitable healthcare and research access. As Director of STEMinate, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, he expands global research mentorship for underserved students across 7 countries. He conducts public health research with Columbia University’s Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, designing HPV education initiatives. Whisper serves as Essex County’s youth mental health representative, presenting student-centered research at institutions including Kean University. He leads research and development at URBRIVA, addressing water pollution and environmental health. As captain and leading attorney in Mock Trial, Whisper integrates science, policy, and advocacy to bridge healthcare and economic equity.
Simon Tchira
Miami, FL
Simon Tchira is a systems-driven leader passionate about engineering solutions that expand opportunity. He serves as President of the Engineering & Computer Science Club and Student Government Association. As a NASA SEES intern, he designed a Mars rover prototype selected for the American Geophysical Union BrightSTaRS program. Interning at Arnet Pharmaceutical, Simon recommended improvements to underutilized programs, generating $168,000 in savings. Through Cadena Foundation trips, he provided humanitarian aid in Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, and Panama. A Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar, Harvard University Book Award recipient, and Hispanic Heritage Foundation Youth Awardee, Simon will attend Vanderbilt University as a Posse Scholar.
Sosena Tefera
Cincinnati, OH
Sosena Tefera is an advocate for social justice and fostering community. She currently serves as her school’s Student Body President, where she founded an annual winter clothing drive that provides hundreds of donations to local families and foster children. Additionally, she presented resolutions to her county’s Board of Commissioners to reduce barriers for women and girls in the trades; all of which were passed. Sosena has continued her work of bridging the inequality gap by interning for the Borgen Project, where she met with the office of the previous Senator Sherrod Brown to advocate for continued funding of the international affairs budget. Sosena will be attending Yale University in the fall.
Gavin Tesser
Calabasas, CA
Gavin, an environmental advocate and ARTivist, blends policy and art to advance climate action and turns recycled materials into artwork. To inspire others, he founded Pencil 2 Planet, an art and literacy initiative that has educated over 5,000 youth and was a finalist for the American Climate Leadership Awards. His policy work includes proposing California’s first eco-youth council, researching purified recycled water for his local water district, co-chairing the U.S. Youth Action Council’s policy advocacy committee for the UN Ocean Decade, and interning for Congressman Brad Sherman. He also serves as co-president of his school’s Model UN team, leading 130 delegates. He looks forward to expanding his environmental and creative impact.
Gavin Thier
Franklin, TN
Gavin Thier is a student leader dedicated to expanding opportunity. As Tennessee DECA’s Vice President of Hospitality, he leads 9,000 members in statewide initiatives and development programmes. Within economic education, he founded Tennessee Youth Economic Leaders to provide workshops to local middle schoolers and co-founded Cash Compass International to assist underprivileged youth in Jakarta. Gavin is passionate about civic engagement and created his city’s Youth Advisory Council alongside his Mayor, is his school’s Student Body President, and has been recognized as a Bank of America Student Leader and Franklin’s 2026 Healthy Democracy Advocate. He plans to study economics and policy to empower marginalized communities via legislation.
Carolyn Thomas
Eatonton, GA
Carolyn has competed nationally in STEM and public speaking and is a committed leader and advocate for rural issues. She served on the Georgia 4-H State Board of Directors and through National 4-H presented to the Peace Corps on AI. She served as a GA STEM Ambassador and developed and led award winning programming for youth to give rural students early exposure to digital literacy. Carolyn is the only youth member of the Putnam Family Violence Task Force and has led meaningful programming to mitigate teen dating violence, spreading the important message that love shouldn’t hurt. She was named a Bullard Community Champion. Carolyn is a junior board member for the Georgia Writers Museum. She will study biology, public health and biotechnology with a pre-med focus.
Terri Michelle Turner
Fort Smith, AR
Terri Michelle is a student leader whose work bridges lived experience with scientific curiosity. As a member of HOSA-Future Health Professionals, she engages in health-focused initiatives that emphasize teamwork, ethical care, and service-oriented problem solving. Alongside her service work, Terri pursues rigorous coursework in biology and psychology, where she explores the intersection of neuroscience, trauma, and human behavior. In college, Terri plans to study neuroscience and conduct research on trauma-informed interventions and expand access to evidence-based mental health care for underserved communities.
Khartik Uppalapati
Oakton, VA
Khartik is a researcher, advocate, and social entrepreneur from Virginia passionate about fixing healthcare through science and policy. He has authored 10 publications and presented at NeurIPS, ACM BCB, and IEEE BHI. As president of RareGen, a 501(c)(3) he founded, he has mobilized 500+ youth, partnered with 130 organizations impacting 8K+ young people, and raised $22K in grants. He has researched at Princeton’s Webb Research Group, MIT Beaver Works, Harvard’s University, and the University of Missouri’s Bond Life Sciences Center. At the UN, WHO, and World Bank Group, he advanced digital health equity for rare disease patients and authored 78 scientific policy briefings. He plans to study chemistry, computer science, and global health.
Jesse Varner
Iowa City, IA
Jesse Varner is a community builder and student leader who bridges divides through institution-building and civic engagement. He founded Music Impacts Community, a nonprofit leveraging the arts to foster community cohesion while raising funds for local charities. He also founded his school’s political action club, addressing political polarization through bipartisan civic education and open dialogue. His work extends to original research on student mental health and data-driven economic analysis shaping priorities for local development organizations. Named the 2025 National Youth Leader of the Year by the National Council on Youth Leadership, he will study International Business in the Huntsman Program at the University of Pennsylvania.
Veronica Vitko
Charlottesville, VA
Veronica is a dedicated servant leader and environmental advocate. As Capital District Editor for Key Club International, she facilitated information flow and service initiatives across 5 states, amplifying the impact of 12,000+ members. As leader of Make A Change, she mobilizes peers around student-led sustainability initiatives in her community, earning recognition through the University of Virginia Sustainability Leadership Award. Her state-recognized flood mitigation research investigates urban resilience in coastal Virginia. A Ukrainian-American, she tutors Ukrainian students in English and organizes the shipment of medical supplies to field medics in Pokrovsk (2,500+ lbs). She is a Bank of America Student Leader and Carson Scholar.
Angela Wang
Milwaukee, WI
Angela Wang is a passionate activist and leader, dedicated to amplifying the voices of the youth. Born and raised in Milwaukee, many of her passions stem from the inequality of opportunity she sees in her city. As the Milwaukee Youth Poet Laureate, she organizes writing workshops and hosts poetry readings, inspiring communities with her storytelling. A longtime volunteer, she is driven to expand access to education, fight food insecurity, and advocate for underrepresented groups. Angela also loves playing tennis and is an individual state champion. She played 1 singles all four years and led the team to two team state championships. Angela plans to study Applied Mathematics in college.
Chloe Wang
New Haven, CT
Chloe Wang is an aspiring advocate and policymaker, channeling lived experiences into legislation. As co-founder of Connecticut’s first youth legislative advisory council, she represents over 800,000 students statewide. Chloe has helped pass legislation mandating AAPI studies across Connecticut and recognizing Lunar New Year, Eid, and Diwali in her town. She also founded CT Speech & Action, a 501(c)(3) student-led nonprofit expanding access to debate and community service. At school, she captains the debate team, serving on the community service and diversity boards. Chloe is honored to have her research recognized by the Gilder Lehrman and John Locke Institutes. Outside of policy, Chloe finds joy in art projects and filmmaking.
William Wang
Powell, OH
William Wang is a leader whose work spans healthcare, education, and civic engagement. As Co-Chair of the International Children’s Advisory Network (ICAN) Youth Council, he has attended two ICAN Summits, collaborating with other advocates across the globe and healthcare partners such as Pfizer to elevate youth voices in healthcare decision-making. Locally, he co-founded the Delaware County Children’s Museum, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to raise $3.1 million to create a hands-on STEM space for families. Additionally, he founded the Powell Youth Council, a 20-student civic group that has contributed over 1,000 volunteer hours to the community. This fall, he plans to pursue a degree in Biology to further his commitment to advancing equitable access and opportunity.
Miley Weiner
East Brunswick, NJ
Miley Weiner is a devoted advocate and writer focused on empowering disabled youth. As the Founder of MileysBags, she has hand-modified and delivered over 800 feeding tube adapted backpacks to children in need, increasing feeding tube awareness across North America, Europe, and Australia. Additionally, Miley is the Founder of DisLit Youth Literary Magazine, an international literary magazine dedicated to destigmatizing pediatric disabilities. In 2025, Miley was selected to receive writing instruction at NYU Tisch, and she has since worked as a Journalism & Editorial Intern for the national magazine Girls’ Life. Miley also represents New Jersey students on the Arts Ed NJ Youth Council, where she strives to advance arts education.
Ava Weissman
Parkland, FL
Ava Weissman is committed to creating sustainable impact through business, civic leadership, and community engagement. As Founder and President of a student-led non-profit, Pickleball 4 A Purpose, Ava’s raised over $50,000 for various senior and youth organizations, secured over 35 sponsors, launched 14 chapters across 11 states, and mobilized over 200 teen volunteers to foster intergenerational connections. She is an internationally ranked DECA competitor, and a nationally recognized Model UN delegate. As the AVUSConnect National Youth Advisor, she helped secure over $100,000 in government grants for senior tablet access. She is President of DECA, Executive VP of Model UN and plans to study Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at UPenn.
Jacob Wolmetz
Hauppauge, NY
Jacob is a nationally recognized youth mental health advocate and emerging policymaker. Appointed by Governor Hochul, he serves as Suffolk County’s Representative on the New York State Governor’s Youth Council, representing over 125,000 youth and shaping state mental health policy. He is a Policy Advocate with the Mental Health Association in NYS and a Teen Tech Council Steering Advisor with #HalfTheStory. He has spoken at a Congressional Mental Health Caucus Roundtable, lobbied for federal legislation, and interviewed Hillary Clinton on youth advocacy. For his work, he was named the 2025 Active Minds National Young Mental Health Champion. Valedictorian of his class, Jacob plans to study public policy and pursue a career in public service.
Lang Xiong
Mclean, VA
Lang Xiong is a scientific researcher, entrepreneur, and community leader. A National Chess Master and Eagle Scout, he leads both Checkmate4Change and BioThrive to facilitate charity chess tournaments and ecological restoration. Lang’s research focuses on LLM alignment and evaluation awareness, with numerous technical paper publications at conferences such as NeurIPS, EMNLP, and AAAI. His technical portfolio includes a patent-pending ultrasound medical device and sustainable materials research recognized at the International Science and Engineering Fair. In his free time, Lang loves to work out, play guitar covers, and cook new recipes. In the future, Lang aims to engineer intelligent systems that are safe and environmentally sustainable.
Julia Yakirevich
Providence, RI
Julia Yakirevich is a student from Providence, Rhode Island, passionate about leveraging her interests in storytelling and science for social impact. She is Rhode Island’s 2025 Deputy Youth Poetry Ambassador and a creative writer recognized on the local to national scale. Julia is proud to be part of several environmental and public health-related research and advocacy initiatives: from serving on the RI Department of Health’s Youth Advisory Council and Breathe Providence’s Air Quality Task Force to leading research at Brown University’s School of Public Health on billboard distribution in RI and correlated health outcomes. Additionally, Julia leads her school’s Model UN team, Literary Magazine, Student Newspaper, and Varsity Swim Team!
Jerry Yang
Los Angeles, CA
Jerry is an empathetic and dedicated public servant and community leader from Los Angeles. As the LA Unified School District Student Board Member, he represents over 500,000 students, creating key partnerships with the City of LA and LA Community College District, including the Dream It, Achieve It program that increases Career Technical Education, dual enrollment, and internship opportunities for all. As President of the LA City Youth Council, he fostered an environment built on collaboration rather than competition, seeking to understand diverse perspectives while opening doors for thousands of youth to provide budget and policy recommendations, increasing transparency over critical issues like civic engagement and financial literacy.
Emma Yu
Andover, MN
Emma Yu is a dedicated advocate and leader committed to cultural awareness, equity, and inclusion. She founded AAPI Youth Voices, a youth-led nonprofit with 100+ chapter leaders across 20 U.S. states and 8 countries, and has worked with legislators to advance bills 5037 and 3132. To bridge AAPI educational gaps, Emma created AYVheritage, a free mobile app featuring 10 sections on AAPI culture and history. She authored 4 AAPI children’s books, 3 AAPI coloring books, a novel “The Untold Stories of AAPI,” and a poetry collection “Selected Tang Poems.” Emma organizes free annual music and arts workshops and fundraisers for under-resourced communities. Globally, Emma led a language program offering free one-on-one lessons in nine Chinese provinces.
Kathy Yu
Irvine, CA
Kathy Yu is a global education access advocate. As Co-Developer of Education4Luhya, a Kenya-based NPO, she created a menstrual education curriculum for rural schools, with the pilot supporting 438 girls at St. Paul’s Emulakha. As Finance & International Policy Director of ACEF, she’s written $210k+ in grants to the UNDP, ALIPH, and other IGOs for climate initiatives. Locally, she’s the VP of “STEMpower She” – a 501c3 inspiring girls in STEM – and the DOO of CASC Clubs Committee Executive Team, guiding 300+ club members statewide. In school, she participates in the IB Diploma and MUN Programs, serving as the USG of the Global Politics Conference and earning a Distinguished Delegate award in London. Kathy plans to study economics to develop equitable education policies.
David Zaragoza-Quezada
Moreno Valley, CA
David is a first-generation scholar driven to engineer equitable access to technology. As founder of his school’s Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers chapter, he led STEM programming to 1,000+ students, securing grants and building districtwide industry partnerships. A UCR engineering and WorkED intern, he conducted electrochemical research and advanced cybersecurity infrastructure across his school district. Through the Riverside County Youth Advisory Council, Tech Elevate, and Interact, he has led large-scale service initiatives serving underrepresented youth. A Ballet Folklórico performer, David will study data science and electrical engineering at Stanford University to design systems that empower immigrant and working-class communities.
Brianna Zhang
Portage, MI
Brianna Zhang is a leader, researcher, and advocate for equity in sports, education, and public health. She is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Leaders for Youth Sports, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit delivering accessible sports programming and resources to more than 1,000 children across West Michigan. She serves on the National Speech and Debate Association’s Student Leadership Council, where she shapes equitable resources and policies impacting students nationwide. As a 2025 DECA World Champion in Community Awareness Project, Brianna shares her community leadership journey to empower other students to lead. She plans to study biology alongside economics to become a policy advocate advancing healthcare access and justice.
Maclane Zich
Western Springs, IL
Maclane Zich is an AI health tech developer and community leader dedicated to transforming medical decision-making through artificial intelligence. His flagship project, HeadacheWise, won the 2025 Congressional App Challenge and serves over 100 users. He has also contributed software to PsychNow, a pioneering AI psychiatry company, and serves as founding developer for Nárm, an AI-powered startup helping consumers make safer clothing choices. Committed to making STEM opportunities more accessible, he co-founded the Chicago Youth Advancement Initiative, a 501(c)(3) now adopted by Chicago Public Schools, delivering 200+ hours of hands-on learning to underserved youth. Next year, he will study Artificial Intelligence at the University of Pennsylvania.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation celebrates and empowers visionary leaders who are refreshing the world. With its 2026 class of Coca-Cola Scholars, the Foundation has provided more than $90 million in scholarships to over 7,200 program alumni who together have become a powerful force for positive change. Learn more about how to become a Coke Scholar here.